THREAT OF A STRIKE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18707, 13 May 1924, Page 8

THREAT OF A STRIKE.

HIK UR A I : COAL/MINERS. • . *- v , \ ■ 7 STOP-WORK iMEETINGS HELD I ' ■ ■ •" •; DISPUTE ABOUT CONTRACTS. | ',■ •. * V•'• '' ' ■/.-i ;■"» ' ■- THE WORKERS RETICENT. [BY ' TELEGRAPH.-~OWIf : ' -CORRESPONDENT.} •• / . - » "WHANGAR2I. Monday. There are indications .that the workers in the several mines at Hikurangi have decided to strike at noon to-morrow. The miners are, however, reticent concerning the •• supposed causes. • What is known is that two stop-work meetings have • been held recently. ' * .v\ . Investigations as far as the union allows show that the bone of contention is connected 1 with- contracting for removal "of earth,' and does . not affect the actual hewing of coal. v. Although no official statement has been offered the fact that contracts for delivery of props have been suspended indicates that the miners consider that they . have a grievance, and that the mine-owners' intend to resist. Judging. from - appearances there is no existence of .animosity, but reticence seems to be fhe basis of- the attitude of ■workers likely to lose good wages in the event of a cessation of work.;